A cesium beam atomic clock computer model

A cesium atomic clock computer model could play an important role in diagnosing clock anomalies or failures on board GPS satellites. It could also be used as a design and quality control tool. We describe an ab initio model of the cesium clock physics package (the cesium beam tube, or CBT). It has a modular architecture, in which independent program units simulate the operation of different CBT components or functions, and communicate through data files which are an integral part of the model. Those modules simulate all CBT functions and monitor outputs. Results obtained for atomic beam speed distributions and microwave spectra are in very good agreement with actual measurements; the model can display all the deviations from ideal behaviour which may be observed in a real CBT. This CBT model, unique in its completeness and level of detail, is the first stage in the development of a full Aerospace Cesium Clock Model (ACCM).